API Praises Committee Vote To Speed Up Natural Gas Exports

API President and CEO Jack Gerard welcomed recently’s vote on legislation to fast-track U.S. exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG). The measure, H.R. 6, was approved by the Energy and Commerce Committee.

“The case for natural gas exports is clear, and Congress is ready to see those benefits flow to U.S. workers,” said Gerard. “America is now the world’s top producer of natural gas, and opening the doors to trade will allow us to harness that power on the international stage while bringing home thousands of jobs and growing our economy. We welcome the committee’s work to make LNG exports a priority, and we are optimistic that members will come together on bipartisan efforts to lock-in America’s trade advantage and strengthen our position as an energy superpower.”

Introduced by Rep. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), the Domestic Prosperity and Global Freedom Act would expedite approval of over 20 export permits at the Department of Energy and accelerate future permits. Earlier this week, API issued aletter of support to committee leaders encouraging passage of the bill. Related LNG proposals have received support from Senators Mark Udall (D-Colo.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Ala.), Mark Begich (D-Ala.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), and Mary Landrieu (D-La.), among others.

API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 600 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 20 million Americans.